The “golden generation” of Bafana Bafana – including the likes of Lucas Radebe, Doctor Khumalo, Neil Tovey, and Andre Arendse – have shared their touching tributes to the late coach Clive Barker.
The retired soccer players were part of the 1996 national squad, which won the Africa Cup of Nations under the star coach.
Barker died on Saturday, 10 June, after a battle with Lewy Body Dementia. He was 78 years old.
ALSO READ: ‘A hero’: Clive Barker’s son shares emotional tribute [photo]
BAFANA BAFANA OLD BOYS PAY TRIBUTE
On social media, Clive Barker quickly became a trending topic, with many soccer fans remembering his epic era of coaching the national team.
And many of the former Bafana Bafana players under him shared their touching tributes.
Lucas Radebe tweeted: “Saddened by the passing of legendary Coach Clive Barker with whom we shared some great moments during Afcon 96 team successes”.
Andre Arendse posted: “Some of my fondest memories that will live with me always. You were a massive part of my journey in football. Rest in peace, my coach, my mentor, my friend. Forever in my heart”.
Speaking to News24 a few weeks back, Neil Tovey said of Clive Barker: “Clive was a character for the football fans, who knew him as ‘The Dog’ Barker, but obviously he was a winning coach, and all fans love winning.
“The way we played football also endeared Clive to the supporters. His teams were full of goals, and you just had to look at the stadiums we played in at the time and see how full they were. The supporters could relate to Clive, and he did the same for a long time.”
Speaking to SAFM, Doctor Khumalo stated that Clive Barker was “more of a father than a coach.”
ALSO READ: Bafana Bafana coach Clive Barker passes away
CLIVE BARKER’S SON SHARES TRIBUTE AFTER HIS DEATH
Confirming his death, Clive’s son John shared in a Twitter tribute: “Today I say goodbye to my father, Clive Barker. He was a hero to many people in South Africa and Africa.
“He was a great father and a soccer legend. We will miss you. RIP, Dad. I love you”.
John – a filmmaker – is one of two children shared by Clive and his wife, Yvonne.
According to the Barker family, Clive battled a series of health setbacks in recent months. This included a brain aneurysm in January and his Lewy Body Dementia diagnosis in March.
The family shared in a statement: “We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the medical professionals who cared for Clive over the past six months.
“He fought a brave battle, and we are relieved he is now at peace”.
Images via Instagram: @johnbarker183
They added: “Clive will be remembered by South Africans for his role in helping to bring a nation together around the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, but for us, he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and he will be dearly missed.
“We have been overwhelmed by the enormous outpouring of love and support for Clive since he was first diagnosed with LBD, and this is a testament to the coach, friend, and mentor he was to not only several generations of footballers but also anyone who crossed his path in the sport he so dearly loved.
A memorial service will be announced in the coming days.
